LYNCHBURG, Va.-A heavy silence filled the room as students stared at the screen, absorbing the horrific bloodshed and fiery violence on display before them. Smile4Africa presented the showing of "Hotel Rwanda" as a way to help raise awareness of the difficulties Africa has faced and is still facing today. This also acted as a fundraiser for student going on a mission trip to Zimbabwe.
Nearly 100 students gathered at Liberty University's campus in DeMoss 1090 Friday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Free admission was given to any person wishing to come to the even, but popcorn and sodas for on sale for 50 cents each to help raise money. The main purpose of the event was to raise awareness in Africa, but also to raise money as they were accepting donations for their cause.
The evening began with Director of International Ministries and World Help, Cyres Mad-Bondo giving an introduction to the movie and the genocide that ended in 1994. He gave some of his own testimonies of time spent in Rwanda while also telling students Africa was in need of people willing to help and make a difference.
Many eyes became misty at the sight of the genocide as the movie progressed. Students were brought to a greater awareness of the difficulties other nations face as compared to luxuries many Americans indulge in today.
"The movie was so powerful and opened my eyes making me realize how good I have it here in America living without fear," sophomore Trudy Mohammed said. "It made me see that it is so important for believers to show Christ's love to the world because there are people hurting, and all they need is someone to love and care for them the way Christ loves us."
All proceeds from the event went toward the Summer 2009 trip to Zimbabwe where four students will be sharing their faith with children and families. Smile4Africa has a base in Zimbabwe where students will be working to help needs such as HIV/AIDs, cholera and building orphanages, according to Tayo Rockson, fundraising and marketing director for Smile4Africa.
Other than donations that were given, the group was also selling T-shirts for $10. Freshmen Amber Turner, Adina Garcia and Denise Cosom all volunteered to help sell the shirts after the event.
"I went on a mission trip to South Africa and have always had an interest in missions. When I got back from my trip I wanted to do whatever I could to become involved and help," sophomore Emily Gardner said.
After the movie came to its conclusion, Rockson ended the evening with an inspirational and passionate challenge for students to make a difference. He encouraged students to take the anger sparked from the movie and use it to go into the world and be the one to help. he prompted them to be imitators of Christ and open their minds to fight atrocities and to be the ones to spark a revolution.
The organization Smile4Africa is in existence to support Africans and help spread the concern to others. Their goal is to share the love of Christ through different means such as education and health care. They hope to provide more employment opportunities to those in Africa so that they may provide for their people on their own. Ultimately their mission is to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ, according to founder and president Albert MaVunga.
"Our goal is to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the people in Africa. We want to make it a double-header with the spiritual and physical aspects," MaVunga said. "We do not only want to teach them how to fish, but we also want to give them a lake to fish in."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sold Out: From Music to Politics
As he was driving down the Virginia highway in his pick up truck, listening to K92, a song of passion blared from the stereo and struck a chord in his heart. After the song, “My Favorite Dream” by artist Tanner Blankenship finished playing, this middle-aged man continued listening with tears streaming down his face.
Once the song came to its end, Blankenship was asked to discuss his inspiration to write such a song. After the horrific shootings at Virginia Tech (VT) in April 2007, he began forming lyrics to this song. Growing up in the nearby area of Dublin, Va., this tragic news hit home with Blankenship, and he wanted to dedicate his newly produced song to the families and victims of the VT shootings.
He continued to mention how God was his ultimate inspiration for all of his music. Although he did not spend the entire interview talking about God, he did hit on it for a few moments. As Blankenship was speaking, the man in the truck was touched by what he had said.
The next day Blankenship received a e-mail from the man explaining that he felt God while he was talking and felt led to turn his life around. Blankenship uses his music ministry with the purpose of glorifying his Lord.
“My greatest desire is to be with you. So take me as I am, I am yours. And though I’m just a man I’ll give what I have,” Blankenship’s lyrics to his song “As I Am” said. “And though I’m helplessly and worthlessly, and nothing on my own, you love me. You can use me Lord.”
These lyrics portray his constant desire to be used by God and give all he has to him. Blankenship has been involved with music ever since he can remember, starting with doing worship at his church, Pulaski Church of God, and first learning to play guitar around 9 or 10 years old.
His 10-song CD consists of songs about helping hurting people, hope and the loving grace of God. Initially Blakenship didn’t intend to create a c.d., but after about a year he realized he had written enough songs to create one. So he produced his CD “Fallen” in his home studio named Follow Hard.
“I love the song “Ocean” because I just think it is a good song and it’s the most fun to play. Although I would have to say the one that meant the most was “Fallen” Blankenship said.
The song came to him suddenly one morning as he woke up. It was at a time in his life where, even though he became a Christian at a young age, he had gotten into some things he was not proud of. Blankenship said he was living in the world and did not care about people or God because he was living selfishly. He was sick of his worldly lifestyle and had reached the end of his rope, according to Blankenship.
“I wanted a change in my life so much and it’s probably one of the most remarkable songs I have ever written because it just popped in my head instantly one morning,” Blankenship said. “I wrote the whole song in 10 minutes, and it turned out to be a great one about how God had never left me.”
Blankenship has since has the opportunity to share his songs with diverse audiences. December Radio, Casting Crowns and Sarah Reeves are a couple known artists he has performed alongside. His CD, “Fallen,” is available for $10 at his shows or by contacting him at followhard@verizon.net.
Ranging from Autumn Fest to Camp Jeep, where Tim McGraw also played and there were thousands in attendance, Blankenship has also performed at local bowling alleys, coffee shops and churches. He even performed at a Liberty open mic night.
Graduating with a degree in Advertising/Public Relations from Liberty in December 2008, he also received an associate degree in education from New River Community College. Blankenship is currently taking online courses at Biola University to receive his master’s in Christian apologetics, while also working as a teacher’s assistant at Pulaski Middle School.
It was not his initial plan to pursue a degree in Advertising/Public Relations, but after taking some Visual Communication (VCAR) classes and talking with others, Blankenship felt God guiding him in that direction. He has used what he learned from this degree to aid in advertising different things and to promote his music.
Using this degree, he has worked on web design and has developed his own site for his ministry, followhard.com. Here he displays articles he has written on music, faith and politics.
Blankenship’s interest in advertising also led for him to complete advertising work for The Patriot, Pulaski County paper with a circulation of 4,000 readers. Through volunteering he was able to write articles the editors assigned to him, which eventually led to his interest in writing about faith-based and political topics.
“I learned it’s important to volunteer places for a while because that can always lead to something else. I always encourage people to put their foot in the door with volunteering,” Blankenship said.
With his interest in politics, which Blankenship says may have come from being at Liberty, and music ministry he hopes to spend the rest of his life making a difference in some way. As he is pursuing his Master’s in Christian apologetics, he says he would love to be part of starting a church or possibly going into politics.
Standing up for his faith and being involved in political issues that he has a strong voice in, such as abortion, is important to Blankenship. He would love to possibly incorporate this into his music ministry and write songs that speak of such issues.
“It’s so hard to tell what I will be doing years from now, but I want to be making a big difference in whatever I am doing. If I could do something with music or politics I would be happy as long as I am impacting someone’s life,” Blankenship said. “I can do that with anything I’m doing, but my heart is making a difference and ministering to people.”
Once the song came to its end, Blankenship was asked to discuss his inspiration to write such a song. After the horrific shootings at Virginia Tech (VT) in April 2007, he began forming lyrics to this song. Growing up in the nearby area of Dublin, Va., this tragic news hit home with Blankenship, and he wanted to dedicate his newly produced song to the families and victims of the VT shootings.
He continued to mention how God was his ultimate inspiration for all of his music. Although he did not spend the entire interview talking about God, he did hit on it for a few moments. As Blankenship was speaking, the man in the truck was touched by what he had said.
The next day Blankenship received a e-mail from the man explaining that he felt God while he was talking and felt led to turn his life around. Blankenship uses his music ministry with the purpose of glorifying his Lord.
“My greatest desire is to be with you. So take me as I am, I am yours. And though I’m just a man I’ll give what I have,” Blankenship’s lyrics to his song “As I Am” said. “And though I’m helplessly and worthlessly, and nothing on my own, you love me. You can use me Lord.”
These lyrics portray his constant desire to be used by God and give all he has to him. Blankenship has been involved with music ever since he can remember, starting with doing worship at his church, Pulaski Church of God, and first learning to play guitar around 9 or 10 years old.
His 10-song CD consists of songs about helping hurting people, hope and the loving grace of God. Initially Blakenship didn’t intend to create a c.d., but after about a year he realized he had written enough songs to create one. So he produced his CD “Fallen” in his home studio named Follow Hard.
“I love the song “Ocean” because I just think it is a good song and it’s the most fun to play. Although I would have to say the one that meant the most was “Fallen” Blankenship said.
The song came to him suddenly one morning as he woke up. It was at a time in his life where, even though he became a Christian at a young age, he had gotten into some things he was not proud of. Blankenship said he was living in the world and did not care about people or God because he was living selfishly. He was sick of his worldly lifestyle and had reached the end of his rope, according to Blankenship.
“I wanted a change in my life so much and it’s probably one of the most remarkable songs I have ever written because it just popped in my head instantly one morning,” Blankenship said. “I wrote the whole song in 10 minutes, and it turned out to be a great one about how God had never left me.”
Blankenship has since has the opportunity to share his songs with diverse audiences. December Radio, Casting Crowns and Sarah Reeves are a couple known artists he has performed alongside. His CD, “Fallen,” is available for $10 at his shows or by contacting him at followhard@verizon.net.
Ranging from Autumn Fest to Camp Jeep, where Tim McGraw also played and there were thousands in attendance, Blankenship has also performed at local bowling alleys, coffee shops and churches. He even performed at a Liberty open mic night.
Graduating with a degree in Advertising/Public Relations from Liberty in December 2008, he also received an associate degree in education from New River Community College. Blankenship is currently taking online courses at Biola University to receive his master’s in Christian apologetics, while also working as a teacher’s assistant at Pulaski Middle School.
It was not his initial plan to pursue a degree in Advertising/Public Relations, but after taking some Visual Communication (VCAR) classes and talking with others, Blankenship felt God guiding him in that direction. He has used what he learned from this degree to aid in advertising different things and to promote his music.
Using this degree, he has worked on web design and has developed his own site for his ministry, followhard.com. Here he displays articles he has written on music, faith and politics.
Blankenship’s interest in advertising also led for him to complete advertising work for The Patriot, Pulaski County paper with a circulation of 4,000 readers. Through volunteering he was able to write articles the editors assigned to him, which eventually led to his interest in writing about faith-based and political topics.
“I learned it’s important to volunteer places for a while because that can always lead to something else. I always encourage people to put their foot in the door with volunteering,” Blankenship said.
With his interest in politics, which Blankenship says may have come from being at Liberty, and music ministry he hopes to spend the rest of his life making a difference in some way. As he is pursuing his Master’s in Christian apologetics, he says he would love to be part of starting a church or possibly going into politics.
Standing up for his faith and being involved in political issues that he has a strong voice in, such as abortion, is important to Blankenship. He would love to possibly incorporate this into his music ministry and write songs that speak of such issues.
“It’s so hard to tell what I will be doing years from now, but I want to be making a big difference in whatever I am doing. If I could do something with music or politics I would be happy as long as I am impacting someone’s life,” Blankenship said. “I can do that with anything I’m doing, but my heart is making a difference and ministering to people.”
Monday, October 5, 2009
A Delayed Heart for Russia
The last place she ever wanted to be was the grey skied streets of Russia where the people walked without a single smile running across their faces. She didn’t care to support the country from home, she didn’t even care to help send other people, but she was determined that the very last decision she would ever make was to pick up and move to Moscow.
Sonnet Barr left for a short term mission trip to Moscow in 1995 after being invited by her pastor, Ron Carter and his wife Pam. She had been working with both the worship and women’s ministry’s at her church, First Christian Church in Nappa, Calif., when Ron asked her to accompany their group to Russia where they would team with Alliance for Saturation Church Planting in Eastern Europe.
They would be encouraging the missionaries and view the ministry of their church planting and process. Pam and Barr would also serve by leading worship for the times of ministry where Ron would speak messages of encouragement.
Initially Barr jumped at the chance to go out of the country to a new place and minister with people she loved. Although after arriving in Moscow, she rapidly realized the difficulty of ministering to women in this area. By the time the trip came to its close, she found herself sobbing as the plane took off to return home promising she would never come back to such a dismal place.
“I am a very joy filled person, but there was no joy in Moscow. It could have been the same way in New York City, I had no idea, but I knew there was no joy here,” Barr said. “I didn’t know people could be so downcast and I could almost feel that sense of oppression everywhere I went. No one ever smiled or engaged us at all; there was no lightness or joy, anywhere.”
When Barr returned from Moscow she continued her job of 10 years as a regional sales manager at Bluecross of California. She had no desire to remain there and felt as if an angel was holding her arms and legs to the chair during their regional meeting. When Mark Wineberg, senior vice president, entered their meeting wearing a ‘Life’s Hard, Pray Harder’ t-shirt, she knew God was showing her that the company would still be in good hands without her. Barr knew she was released to leave.
“I’ve always viewed everything I do as God’s ministry for my life and tried to minister to whoever crossed my path. This was a relief to know this company would be in good hands and I could move out to wherever God wanted me to go,” Barr said.
She quit her job in July 1995 and immediately enrolled at Columbia Bible College where she graduated with a Bible certificate in 1996. Once she received her certificate she went to work as acting Vice President of Financial Development at United World Mission. At this point she enjoyed her job supporting missionaries but still was not interested in returning to Moscow.
In 1997 she was married to her husband Jon. Two years after their wedding he leaned over one night to tell his wife that God was calling them back to Moscow. She responded in her best submissive wife tone by telling her husband that if God wanted her to go to Russia, then he will tell her because she had no intentions of ever returning to that sullen place.
Later she went to her husband to agree that God had made it clear to her that they were to return. So in June 2001 they arrived to their new home in Moscow and have been there ministering to the people for 10 years.
The first camp they led was two weeks after they arrived, where they were in charge of the American team that was coming. A missionary friend was there with one Russian student to lead working with the Russian linguistics. Spontaneously this missionary friend had a stroke and was evacuated to Finland for immediate medical care. This left Jon and Sonnet four days before the camp, knowing little Russian to lead with.
At this point it was the worst and the best news they received. They now had no doubt in their minds that they were doing the right thing and their dependancy on God had never been stronger.
Now this couple has developed an English Exchange where they work as the native speaker component of a foreign language program in a Russian university. In this former communist country evangelism is a challenge, but Jon and Sonnet use their ministry to teach English to their Russian students in hopes of sharing God with them.
Their ministry is dependent upon building relationships of trust and respect. People in this country want to learn English because it is the language of business, travel and the Internet. Through teaching the language and building relationships with the students, this leads to opportunities to share who they are with each other and explain what makes them different.
“It’s not even about the message so much anymore, it’s about the life and the walk of the messenger. Building relationships is what will get your message heard,” Barr said.
The university required them to agree to not openly talk about God in a group setting. Out of respect to these officials, they agreed but still make opportunities to talk individually with their students about God. The English Exchange has invited students to come work at their camps every winter and summer. Those that come are there to help teach english, sing and perform with music and build relationships.
“It’s different from any other kind of mission trip. It’s not street evangelism, we are doing short term stuff to help them in their long term ministry,” Hannah Morrett, sophomore said. “We go to camp and sing songs and do stuff we would normally do with different people around the world. It helps people realize they can be themselves with all people and it’s even great for those who are not going into full time ministry.”
Coming from a relational standpoint is the best strategy they can use in that culture. In the past missionaries would come to evangelize in Russia and then immediately leave, so the Russian people have become resistant to missionaries. From a cultural standpoint, building relationships are the best way to reach these people because Russia is a relational country, according to Morrett.
Many opportunities are available around the world for Liberty students to get involved in missions. Various missionaries came to the campus Sept. 21 to Sept. 23 to talk with students and share their ministries during this fall semester’s Missions Emphasis Week. Barr is one of the missionaries that came to share with the student body and offer opportunities for the students to get involved in their ministry to Moscow, a place of 16 million people.
This year’s trips to the English Exchange in Moscow will be Dec. 29 to Jan. 8, June 23 to July 8 and July 28 to Aug. 12. For more information visit www.the-exchange.org or contact Jon and Sonnet Barr at TheExchangeRU@cs.com.
Sonnet Barr left for a short term mission trip to Moscow in 1995 after being invited by her pastor, Ron Carter and his wife Pam. She had been working with both the worship and women’s ministry’s at her church, First Christian Church in Nappa, Calif., when Ron asked her to accompany their group to Russia where they would team with Alliance for Saturation Church Planting in Eastern Europe.
They would be encouraging the missionaries and view the ministry of their church planting and process. Pam and Barr would also serve by leading worship for the times of ministry where Ron would speak messages of encouragement.
Initially Barr jumped at the chance to go out of the country to a new place and minister with people she loved. Although after arriving in Moscow, she rapidly realized the difficulty of ministering to women in this area. By the time the trip came to its close, she found herself sobbing as the plane took off to return home promising she would never come back to such a dismal place.
“I am a very joy filled person, but there was no joy in Moscow. It could have been the same way in New York City, I had no idea, but I knew there was no joy here,” Barr said. “I didn’t know people could be so downcast and I could almost feel that sense of oppression everywhere I went. No one ever smiled or engaged us at all; there was no lightness or joy, anywhere.”
When Barr returned from Moscow she continued her job of 10 years as a regional sales manager at Bluecross of California. She had no desire to remain there and felt as if an angel was holding her arms and legs to the chair during their regional meeting. When Mark Wineberg, senior vice president, entered their meeting wearing a ‘Life’s Hard, Pray Harder’ t-shirt, she knew God was showing her that the company would still be in good hands without her. Barr knew she was released to leave.
“I’ve always viewed everything I do as God’s ministry for my life and tried to minister to whoever crossed my path. This was a relief to know this company would be in good hands and I could move out to wherever God wanted me to go,” Barr said.
She quit her job in July 1995 and immediately enrolled at Columbia Bible College where she graduated with a Bible certificate in 1996. Once she received her certificate she went to work as acting Vice President of Financial Development at United World Mission. At this point she enjoyed her job supporting missionaries but still was not interested in returning to Moscow.
In 1997 she was married to her husband Jon. Two years after their wedding he leaned over one night to tell his wife that God was calling them back to Moscow. She responded in her best submissive wife tone by telling her husband that if God wanted her to go to Russia, then he will tell her because she had no intentions of ever returning to that sullen place.
Later she went to her husband to agree that God had made it clear to her that they were to return. So in June 2001 they arrived to their new home in Moscow and have been there ministering to the people for 10 years.
The first camp they led was two weeks after they arrived, where they were in charge of the American team that was coming. A missionary friend was there with one Russian student to lead working with the Russian linguistics. Spontaneously this missionary friend had a stroke and was evacuated to Finland for immediate medical care. This left Jon and Sonnet four days before the camp, knowing little Russian to lead with.
At this point it was the worst and the best news they received. They now had no doubt in their minds that they were doing the right thing and their dependancy on God had never been stronger.
Now this couple has developed an English Exchange where they work as the native speaker component of a foreign language program in a Russian university. In this former communist country evangelism is a challenge, but Jon and Sonnet use their ministry to teach English to their Russian students in hopes of sharing God with them.
Their ministry is dependent upon building relationships of trust and respect. People in this country want to learn English because it is the language of business, travel and the Internet. Through teaching the language and building relationships with the students, this leads to opportunities to share who they are with each other and explain what makes them different.
“It’s not even about the message so much anymore, it’s about the life and the walk of the messenger. Building relationships is what will get your message heard,” Barr said.
The university required them to agree to not openly talk about God in a group setting. Out of respect to these officials, they agreed but still make opportunities to talk individually with their students about God. The English Exchange has invited students to come work at their camps every winter and summer. Those that come are there to help teach english, sing and perform with music and build relationships.
“It’s different from any other kind of mission trip. It’s not street evangelism, we are doing short term stuff to help them in their long term ministry,” Hannah Morrett, sophomore said. “We go to camp and sing songs and do stuff we would normally do with different people around the world. It helps people realize they can be themselves with all people and it’s even great for those who are not going into full time ministry.”
Coming from a relational standpoint is the best strategy they can use in that culture. In the past missionaries would come to evangelize in Russia and then immediately leave, so the Russian people have become resistant to missionaries. From a cultural standpoint, building relationships are the best way to reach these people because Russia is a relational country, according to Morrett.
Many opportunities are available around the world for Liberty students to get involved in missions. Various missionaries came to the campus Sept. 21 to Sept. 23 to talk with students and share their ministries during this fall semester’s Missions Emphasis Week. Barr is one of the missionaries that came to share with the student body and offer opportunities for the students to get involved in their ministry to Moscow, a place of 16 million people.
This year’s trips to the English Exchange in Moscow will be Dec. 29 to Jan. 8, June 23 to July 8 and July 28 to Aug. 12. For more information visit www.the-exchange.org or contact Jon and Sonnet Barr at TheExchangeRU@cs.com.
Friday, May 29, 2009
An Unintentional Consequence
NEW YORK, May 26, 2009—Following the rules is never something she is very good at. The owner of the Herald Towers Apartments considers her to be a famous face around the city and opens a room for her whenever she is visiting. Enjoying the celebrity treatment she receives, she doesn’t think the rules of the building apply to her.
Herald Towers Security Guard, Sean Zanders says that he remembers this particular lady who gives the security team something to deal with. Zanders is sitting with a strong posture at the front desk, in his maroon coat with gold buttons. He plans on having a quiet, uneventful evening when he sees the woman outside on the street.
This time she is standing outside the thick glass doors peering inside to plan sneaking past Zanders. She hesitates for a moment contemplating if he has already seen her white furry creature, but after a few moments she pulls open the door and begins to walk in.
“She doesn’t normally obey the rules of the building, but it’s nothing new around here,” Zanders said.
She pulls open the second door and without paying any attention to the poodle yapping behind her, the door quickly closes trapping the helpless animal. This oblivious woman continues yanking the leash to drag the dog beside her, while each time smashing her pet’s head into the glass.
After a few minutes, the woman realizes the door is blocking her poodle. She turns around to liberate it and walks past the security counter acting as if nothing unusual just happened.
“Well I figured at that point there was no form of consequence I should give her. I simply was astonished by what I had just seen,” Zanders said. “I guess she received the consequence on her own, or at least her dog did.”
Herald Towers Security Guard, Sean Zanders says that he remembers this particular lady who gives the security team something to deal with. Zanders is sitting with a strong posture at the front desk, in his maroon coat with gold buttons. He plans on having a quiet, uneventful evening when he sees the woman outside on the street.
This time she is standing outside the thick glass doors peering inside to plan sneaking past Zanders. She hesitates for a moment contemplating if he has already seen her white furry creature, but after a few moments she pulls open the door and begins to walk in.
“She doesn’t normally obey the rules of the building, but it’s nothing new around here,” Zanders said.
She pulls open the second door and without paying any attention to the poodle yapping behind her, the door quickly closes trapping the helpless animal. This oblivious woman continues yanking the leash to drag the dog beside her, while each time smashing her pet’s head into the glass.
After a few minutes, the woman realizes the door is blocking her poodle. She turns around to liberate it and walks past the security counter acting as if nothing unusual just happened.
“Well I figured at that point there was no form of consequence I should give her. I simply was astonished by what I had just seen,” Zanders said. “I guess she received the consequence on her own, or at least her dog did.”
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Picture Can Speak a Thousand Words
Manhattan, N.Y., May 26, 2009- When thinking about journalism it has reached different heights in today's world. It's not just about words anymore, but now it incorporates an important visual element. "A picture can speak louder than words."
I had never really thought about this before, but after this past semester at school and being here in New York this though of video and photography has grown. Pictures can speak louder to some when words mean very little. One thought that Andy shared was that not everyone in the world is literate, so pictures and video can communicate with those people when words cannot. Another complete audience is reached when visual elements are brought into the journalistic scene.
I took my first graphics class at school this past semester and began to learn a lot more about the importance of image and color. The term visual hierarchy taught me that color and different visual techniques can take a word or phrase and add emphasis to it in a whole new way. The photography and visual aspects help writers to increase their means of communication and relate to their viewers on new and deeper levels.
The importance of words still exists, but the detailed craftiness of picture, design and graphics add to that importance. Just as in forming an article, being intentional in making decisions is just as important with photography and design. The camera can capture the light in an image and part of the story that the writer possibly couldn't. At the same time, Kenny Irby said that images don't always bring across absolute truth; this is where I think words can come in and continue adding to the narrative found within the photograph.
When it comes to the bottom of journalism, with all aspects relationships are key, according to Kenny Irby. Relationships that are built with those we are interviewing, photographing and recording are crucial in journalism. Building relationships and trust will bring the written and visual portions to an entirely new level.
Irby gives four "C's" for journalists to think about in all aspects of their writing and visual elements: confidence, competence, creativity and courage. With these four elements, a writer's story can reach new levels and communicate more deeply.
I went to The Met on Memorial Day and really enjoyed the exhibits. While looking at the various photographs and paintings, I really enjoyed evaluating and interpreting them. It was awesome to look at the picture and depict its meaning and then looking at the description written next to it to compare. Being at this museum and looking at the different photographs and art helped me come to an even deeper understanding of just how powerful pictures are and the stories that can be portrayed through them.
I had never really thought about this before, but after this past semester at school and being here in New York this though of video and photography has grown. Pictures can speak louder to some when words mean very little. One thought that Andy shared was that not everyone in the world is literate, so pictures and video can communicate with those people when words cannot. Another complete audience is reached when visual elements are brought into the journalistic scene.
I took my first graphics class at school this past semester and began to learn a lot more about the importance of image and color. The term visual hierarchy taught me that color and different visual techniques can take a word or phrase and add emphasis to it in a whole new way. The photography and visual aspects help writers to increase their means of communication and relate to their viewers on new and deeper levels.
The importance of words still exists, but the detailed craftiness of picture, design and graphics add to that importance. Just as in forming an article, being intentional in making decisions is just as important with photography and design. The camera can capture the light in an image and part of the story that the writer possibly couldn't. At the same time, Kenny Irby said that images don't always bring across absolute truth; this is where I think words can come in and continue adding to the narrative found within the photograph.
When it comes to the bottom of journalism, with all aspects relationships are key, according to Kenny Irby. Relationships that are built with those we are interviewing, photographing and recording are crucial in journalism. Building relationships and trust will bring the written and visual portions to an entirely new level.
Irby gives four "C's" for journalists to think about in all aspects of their writing and visual elements: confidence, competence, creativity and courage. With these four elements, a writer's story can reach new levels and communicate more deeply.
I went to The Met on Memorial Day and really enjoyed the exhibits. While looking at the various photographs and paintings, I really enjoyed evaluating and interpreting them. It was awesome to look at the picture and depict its meaning and then looking at the description written next to it to compare. Being at this museum and looking at the different photographs and art helped me come to an even deeper understanding of just how powerful pictures are and the stories that can be portrayed through them.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Crucial Field Work
Manhattan, N.Y., May 21, 2009— It all started out with about a million phone calls on Monday. Some couldn’t make the decision and would get back to me, some asked me to send an email and some immediately answered, “no.” It was the first day on the ‘job’ and the feeling of discouragement ran through my veins.
When I woke up this morning, I went into our common room to have some quiet time before I started my day. I spent some time in prayer and God reminded me that I cannot do anything without him and that all of my accomplishments are of him. I started my day surrendering it to him and asking him to bring success in my long day of journalism field work I was going to have.
Peter Parros, from Law and Order, spoke in chapel this morning. One verse he gave was Proverbs 16:9- "The heart of man plans his ways, but the LORD directs his steps." This was so encouraging to me and gave me confidence for the day in knowing that God was directing every step I took and would lead me in all I was going to do.
Throughout this convergent project so far I have really been able to grow by pushing through initial discouragement. When this project started out the phone calls were made but no results were coming from them. It felt like I wasn’t doing anything, even though I had called all of my sources and was simply waiting to hear back.
The phone rang and I almost jumped straight out of my seat from the excitement of seeing an unknown number reading “New York” scroll across my blue phone. I rushed to the elevator to get to a place where I had service, since being in the basement of the Empire State Building all day keeps my phone from having service. When I walked out of the door and saw the baby blue sky above me I hit the call back button.
I hung up the phone after the conversation and felt an enormous sigh of relief. I had made a contact and received some information for my article. On my way back down my phone rang again with those two radiant words scrolling across my screen and I answered with confidence. My second contact had been established and I had an interview time set up.
After all of the calls had been made in the early week, my partner, Josiah, and I were finally able to hit the field for some crucial work we needed to get done. Today we left for our destination, Brooklyn School for Music and Theater, at 10:15 a.m. and didn’t return back until around 5 p.m. It was a day full of video, photography and interviewing. We were both extremely excited to get rolling on our footage.
When we arrived to the school the security and check-in consumed the doorway. No one was allowed to enter the building without first checking in and then going through security. This was a bit of a shock for me, coming from a small town where there is no security. We may have a place for visitors to sign in but no security checkpoint. Once we arrived to the classroom, the rest of the day was a complete joy. The interviewing went well and we managed to pull together quite a bit of film for our video.
After we finished talking with the teacher, Cathy Li, and the principal and students we ventured back out to find our way back home to Manhattan. On our way we came across this amazing fountain in front of the Brooklyn Museum. This fountain had the water shooting from small spouts within the sidewalk. The water would swiftly shoot up in different rotations. Finally the fountain would present a finale. It reminded me of the finale at the fireworks shows on the Fourth of July.
I absolutely love fountains, especially taking pictures of them, so I was quite enthusiastic to see this unique one sitting before me. I refrained from my initial desire of running through the fountain to cool off from the bright yellow sun beaming down on our faces. Josiah and I spent some time photographing and then went on our way.
Our mission had been accomplished. We both said that we would not come back until we had gotten everything we needed for our story and that’s exactly what we did. It was quite a success for the both of us as we were able to get interviews for our angles and start using our camera equipment. Now we are on our way to creating our very first video to be part of our convergent project.
When I woke up this morning, I went into our common room to have some quiet time before I started my day. I spent some time in prayer and God reminded me that I cannot do anything without him and that all of my accomplishments are of him. I started my day surrendering it to him and asking him to bring success in my long day of journalism field work I was going to have.
Peter Parros, from Law and Order, spoke in chapel this morning. One verse he gave was Proverbs 16:9- "The heart of man plans his ways, but the LORD directs his steps." This was so encouraging to me and gave me confidence for the day in knowing that God was directing every step I took and would lead me in all I was going to do.
Throughout this convergent project so far I have really been able to grow by pushing through initial discouragement. When this project started out the phone calls were made but no results were coming from them. It felt like I wasn’t doing anything, even though I had called all of my sources and was simply waiting to hear back.
The phone rang and I almost jumped straight out of my seat from the excitement of seeing an unknown number reading “New York” scroll across my blue phone. I rushed to the elevator to get to a place where I had service, since being in the basement of the Empire State Building all day keeps my phone from having service. When I walked out of the door and saw the baby blue sky above me I hit the call back button.
I hung up the phone after the conversation and felt an enormous sigh of relief. I had made a contact and received some information for my article. On my way back down my phone rang again with those two radiant words scrolling across my screen and I answered with confidence. My second contact had been established and I had an interview time set up.
After all of the calls had been made in the early week, my partner, Josiah, and I were finally able to hit the field for some crucial work we needed to get done. Today we left for our destination, Brooklyn School for Music and Theater, at 10:15 a.m. and didn’t return back until around 5 p.m. It was a day full of video, photography and interviewing. We were both extremely excited to get rolling on our footage.
When we arrived to the school the security and check-in consumed the doorway. No one was allowed to enter the building without first checking in and then going through security. This was a bit of a shock for me, coming from a small town where there is no security. We may have a place for visitors to sign in but no security checkpoint. Once we arrived to the classroom, the rest of the day was a complete joy. The interviewing went well and we managed to pull together quite a bit of film for our video.
After we finished talking with the teacher, Cathy Li, and the principal and students we ventured back out to find our way back home to Manhattan. On our way we came across this amazing fountain in front of the Brooklyn Museum. This fountain had the water shooting from small spouts within the sidewalk. The water would swiftly shoot up in different rotations. Finally the fountain would present a finale. It reminded me of the finale at the fireworks shows on the Fourth of July.
I absolutely love fountains, especially taking pictures of them, so I was quite enthusiastic to see this unique one sitting before me. I refrained from my initial desire of running through the fountain to cool off from the bright yellow sun beaming down on our faces. Josiah and I spent some time photographing and then went on our way.
Our mission had been accomplished. We both said that we would not come back until we had gotten everything we needed for our story and that’s exactly what we did. It was quite a success for the both of us as we were able to get interviews for our angles and start using our camera equipment. Now we are on our way to creating our very first video to be part of our convergent project.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
More Than Words
Manhattan, N.Y., May 19, 2009-Readers can be called simply viewers in today’s world. Society is more updated in technology and the newer generations are becoming fluent in video productions and online media. In order for journalists of today to reach their audience, they must go beyond the limits of written word and into the universe of digital media.
A new term, convergence media, begins to roll nicely off the tongue when talking about journalism. This term is talking about ‘backpack journalism’ where journalists not only know how to craft an intriguing written story, but they also know how to provide photography slide shows, audio and video.
People are visual and for some, a video or picture reaches them more than a full-page article. This new convergent media also bridges the gap involving the assumption that all of society is a literate one. The visual and audio aspects of journalism ensure publications that they can reach all readers and viewers.
Especially in a day where online is becoming more of the norm than print, this kind of journalism becomes prominent. Current executive editor of El Nuevo Herald, Manny Garcia, expressed the importance of convergence media when he stated that he looks to hire journalists who can do all three aspects of journalism—written story, video and photography. These writers hold greater skills, as they are not just limited to one form of journalism.
Within this new form of media writers are to be able to continue with their deep writing techniques; they are now simply adding to them. Having all forms of media with one story increase its affect and can reach a wider audience. When there is video and photography to go with the story, it gives viewers the option as to which they would prefer to look at, to learn about the story. It also allows the writers to increase the depth of their story as they can add different angles according to what is provided by the photographs and videos.
After all of this is said, the written form of the article is still extremely important and should not be belittled. A picture without a strong caption doesn’t mean very much and a video without the words behind it narrating only goes so far. The writing portion in journalism is not necessarily disappearing, but a new from of digital convergence media is erupting rapidly and will bring society into the next age.
A new term, convergence media, begins to roll nicely off the tongue when talking about journalism. This term is talking about ‘backpack journalism’ where journalists not only know how to craft an intriguing written story, but they also know how to provide photography slide shows, audio and video.
People are visual and for some, a video or picture reaches them more than a full-page article. This new convergent media also bridges the gap involving the assumption that all of society is a literate one. The visual and audio aspects of journalism ensure publications that they can reach all readers and viewers.
Especially in a day where online is becoming more of the norm than print, this kind of journalism becomes prominent. Current executive editor of El Nuevo Herald, Manny Garcia, expressed the importance of convergence media when he stated that he looks to hire journalists who can do all three aspects of journalism—written story, video and photography. These writers hold greater skills, as they are not just limited to one form of journalism.
Within this new form of media writers are to be able to continue with their deep writing techniques; they are now simply adding to them. Having all forms of media with one story increase its affect and can reach a wider audience. When there is video and photography to go with the story, it gives viewers the option as to which they would prefer to look at, to learn about the story. It also allows the writers to increase the depth of their story as they can add different angles according to what is provided by the photographs and videos.
After all of this is said, the written form of the article is still extremely important and should not be belittled. A picture without a strong caption doesn’t mean very much and a video without the words behind it narrating only goes so far. The writing portion in journalism is not necessarily disappearing, but a new from of digital convergence media is erupting rapidly and will bring society into the next age.
Obama's Election and Effect of the Media: John Ziegler
Manhattan, N.Y., May 20, 2009- With the recent election voting President Obama into office many days have been filled with debate and controversy. John Ziegler has recently produced a movie entitled, "Media Malpractice: How Obama Got Elected and Palin was Targeted."
This movie was created to investigate the media's effect on the outcome of the election. Ziegler's stance said that the media is one of the key reason, if not the ultimate reason, President Obama won the election. The movie focuses on showing multiple examples as to how this happened. The press seemed to choose President Obama to be "their" candidate and put forth their efforts to promote him across the television screens, computer monitors and newspapers.
Ziegler said that the media was biased during the entire campaign and only presenting information in support of the candidate instead of all of the facts. Also, not only did the movie say the media was promoting President Obama, but it also presented the other side that they were targeting Vice President candidate Sarah Palin. The headlines were presenting positive news about Obama while showing only the negative of Sarah Palin.
Not only did the news media show only negative information regarding Palin but some of these facts weren't even facts at all; they were misinterpretations of what she had really said, according to Ziegler's movie. For example the media changed her wording to become "I can see Russia from my house," when she actually said that from Alaska she can see parts of Russia because they are distant neighbors. Instead of recognizing Palin's experience and accomplishments, the general public could only remember the $150,000 budget on her wardrobe and her pregnant teenage daughter.
Also they movie portrays an interview with a current senator on February 19, 2009. When asked what legislative accomplishments Obama has had, before becoming the president, and after many chances to answer, he could not speak of a single one. President Obama became the first president with the least amount of experience in U.S. history, according to Ziegler. Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton even expressed her concerns that candidate McCain and she had a lifetime of experience, but candidate Obama only had his speeches.
The movie continues to give countless examples of the media's role in the last presidential election. Ziegler said it that President Obama would not have won this election if it hadn't been for the media's portrayal of him and target of Palin. Even in the debates, Ziegler said, that the press was refraining from asking the important and tough questions such as his relationship with Ayers, whose wife was at one point on America's top 10 most wanted list.
This movie portrays the media's effect on our society and how it impacts our decisions. Whether this movie is accurate or not is for the people to decide for themselves, but it does seems to show a lapse in the media's responsibility to accuracy.
"Broadcasting is dead. It's all about 'narrow-casting' now," Ziegler said in an interview after his movie premiere.
I do not think that journalism and broadcasting is dead, nor am I saying whether I think the only reason President Obama won the election is because of the media. I simply find this documentary to be extremely interesting, and I think it did have some valid points to show that the media is not succeeding in its efforts to present its viewers with accurate and unbiased information.
It is up to the public to decide what they think of such information presented in this movie, and it is the media's responsibility to maintain an accurate and unbiased mainstream, which can use some serious recuperation.
This movie was created to investigate the media's effect on the outcome of the election. Ziegler's stance said that the media is one of the key reason, if not the ultimate reason, President Obama won the election. The movie focuses on showing multiple examples as to how this happened. The press seemed to choose President Obama to be "their" candidate and put forth their efforts to promote him across the television screens, computer monitors and newspapers.
Ziegler said that the media was biased during the entire campaign and only presenting information in support of the candidate instead of all of the facts. Also, not only did the movie say the media was promoting President Obama, but it also presented the other side that they were targeting Vice President candidate Sarah Palin. The headlines were presenting positive news about Obama while showing only the negative of Sarah Palin.
Not only did the news media show only negative information regarding Palin but some of these facts weren't even facts at all; they were misinterpretations of what she had really said, according to Ziegler's movie. For example the media changed her wording to become "I can see Russia from my house," when she actually said that from Alaska she can see parts of Russia because they are distant neighbors. Instead of recognizing Palin's experience and accomplishments, the general public could only remember the $150,000 budget on her wardrobe and her pregnant teenage daughter.
Also they movie portrays an interview with a current senator on February 19, 2009. When asked what legislative accomplishments Obama has had, before becoming the president, and after many chances to answer, he could not speak of a single one. President Obama became the first president with the least amount of experience in U.S. history, according to Ziegler. Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton even expressed her concerns that candidate McCain and she had a lifetime of experience, but candidate Obama only had his speeches.
The movie continues to give countless examples of the media's role in the last presidential election. Ziegler said it that President Obama would not have won this election if it hadn't been for the media's portrayal of him and target of Palin. Even in the debates, Ziegler said, that the press was refraining from asking the important and tough questions such as his relationship with Ayers, whose wife was at one point on America's top 10 most wanted list.
This movie portrays the media's effect on our society and how it impacts our decisions. Whether this movie is accurate or not is for the people to decide for themselves, but it does seems to show a lapse in the media's responsibility to accuracy.
"Broadcasting is dead. It's all about 'narrow-casting' now," Ziegler said in an interview after his movie premiere.
I do not think that journalism and broadcasting is dead, nor am I saying whether I think the only reason President Obama won the election is because of the media. I simply find this documentary to be extremely interesting, and I think it did have some valid points to show that the media is not succeeding in its efforts to present its viewers with accurate and unbiased information.
It is up to the public to decide what they think of such information presented in this movie, and it is the media's responsibility to maintain an accurate and unbiased mainstream, which can use some serious recuperation.
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Man Hidden Behind the Array of Hot Dogs
Manhattan, N.Y., May 14, 2009 — The bright yellow cabs of death distract the hectic crowds rushing past the small Egyptian man standing on the corner, who hasn’t seen his wife in 3 years.
This man is 5 feet 4 inches tall wearing dark jeans and a royal blue sweater, covered only slightly by his gray designer coat. His freshly shaved face with a few rough whiskers, he left purposefully, runs over his face. A couple small cuts on his left cheek stood out, as it was the only part of his physical appearance that didn’t match his dark complexion.
His back to the street, 22-year-old Ashras Sared faces the front of his hot dog stand on 37th and Broadway, which he manages every day in the busyness of Manhattan’s swarming streets. His tall stature and dark illuminating skin beamed radiantly in the slight array of sunshine pushing through the dismal sky.
When he smiles his white teeth with yellow stains on the front shine bright. Sounds of soda cans pop as mothers open them for their young, hungry children that surround where this Middle Eastern man was standing. The strong aroma of hotdogs fills the street and flows from his mouth as he begins to speak.
“New York City is nice. I like it much better than my life in Egypt,” Sared said. “Whether here or one or two blocks down all the people, the train stations and Time Square, it’s all nice.”
Sared came to the United States six years ago after spending most of his growing up years overseas. He came to the U.S. six years ago to live in Brooklyn. After three years he ventured back to Egypt for a few months. He occasionally finds time to go back to his birthplace, but prefers to stay immersed in the New York life.
Soon after he arrived overseas he met his wife and was married soon after. The marriage happened quickly and had an unexpected twist soon after. Sared planned to come back to the states with his new bride but found out she wasn’t going to get through immigration and accompany her new husband to a new country.
Sared was then faced with the decision to stay with his wife or move back to his beloved city life. With no doubt in his mind that he wanted to return to the vibrant city he loved so much, Sared solemnly packed his things and walked through a door that he could never turn back from.
He stands with a cynical stare coming from his baby blues eyes beaming off of his blue sweater. The exhaustion seeps from his weak stance with his hand holding up his head. An occasional loud burst of energy streams from his mouth as his Bluetooth is bound to his ear, hidden from his black baseball cap.
Sared moved to Manhattan when he returned from Egypt to begin his job in the food business. With his heavy Middle Eastern accent he works hard from early morning to the dark of night selling hot dogs, pretzels and sodas.
“Business is bad right now. One day it’s busy one hour and the next day no business, then the next day still no business,” Sared said.
He paused for a moment as a young man in jeans and a gray t-shirt walked up to buy a hot dog. He places the few dollars he earns into the moneybox and turns back around.
“See, we’ve been here talking for what, 30 minutes, and that is the only guy to come buy something from me. The next blocks on 5th Avenue have too much in the streets, too many stands for business,” Sared said.
After working hard all day Sared loves to be involved in his favorite part of the city—the lottery. He says he and his friend like to play and have seen some luck come from time to time. It wasn’t until Sared moved to Manhattan, after returning from his trip to Egypt, that he started playing the lottery. He sits on the edge of his seat, after buying his ticket, to see if the numbers he chose bring him good fortunes.
This man is 5 feet 4 inches tall wearing dark jeans and a royal blue sweater, covered only slightly by his gray designer coat. His freshly shaved face with a few rough whiskers, he left purposefully, runs over his face. A couple small cuts on his left cheek stood out, as it was the only part of his physical appearance that didn’t match his dark complexion.
His back to the street, 22-year-old Ashras Sared faces the front of his hot dog stand on 37th and Broadway, which he manages every day in the busyness of Manhattan’s swarming streets. His tall stature and dark illuminating skin beamed radiantly in the slight array of sunshine pushing through the dismal sky.
When he smiles his white teeth with yellow stains on the front shine bright. Sounds of soda cans pop as mothers open them for their young, hungry children that surround where this Middle Eastern man was standing. The strong aroma of hotdogs fills the street and flows from his mouth as he begins to speak.
“New York City is nice. I like it much better than my life in Egypt,” Sared said. “Whether here or one or two blocks down all the people, the train stations and Time Square, it’s all nice.”
Sared came to the United States six years ago after spending most of his growing up years overseas. He came to the U.S. six years ago to live in Brooklyn. After three years he ventured back to Egypt for a few months. He occasionally finds time to go back to his birthplace, but prefers to stay immersed in the New York life.
Soon after he arrived overseas he met his wife and was married soon after. The marriage happened quickly and had an unexpected twist soon after. Sared planned to come back to the states with his new bride but found out she wasn’t going to get through immigration and accompany her new husband to a new country.
Sared was then faced with the decision to stay with his wife or move back to his beloved city life. With no doubt in his mind that he wanted to return to the vibrant city he loved so much, Sared solemnly packed his things and walked through a door that he could never turn back from.
He stands with a cynical stare coming from his baby blues eyes beaming off of his blue sweater. The exhaustion seeps from his weak stance with his hand holding up his head. An occasional loud burst of energy streams from his mouth as his Bluetooth is bound to his ear, hidden from his black baseball cap.
Sared moved to Manhattan when he returned from Egypt to begin his job in the food business. With his heavy Middle Eastern accent he works hard from early morning to the dark of night selling hot dogs, pretzels and sodas.
“Business is bad right now. One day it’s busy one hour and the next day no business, then the next day still no business,” Sared said.
He paused for a moment as a young man in jeans and a gray t-shirt walked up to buy a hot dog. He places the few dollars he earns into the moneybox and turns back around.
“See, we’ve been here talking for what, 30 minutes, and that is the only guy to come buy something from me. The next blocks on 5th Avenue have too much in the streets, too many stands for business,” Sared said.
After working hard all day Sared loves to be involved in his favorite part of the city—the lottery. He says he and his friend like to play and have seen some luck come from time to time. It wasn’t until Sared moved to Manhattan, after returning from his trip to Egypt, that he started playing the lottery. He sits on the edge of his seat, after buying his ticket, to see if the numbers he chose bring him good fortunes.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Myths of the Big City
NEW YORK, May 17, 2009- When telling people that I was coming to New York City for three weeks, the reactions I received were not as positive as I had anticipated. Some were excited, especially my friends from school that live in New York, but most were not a pumped about the big city.
When talking about the city, there can be many negative attitudes and thoughts that are brought up. The city being dangerous and violent is one of them. Some close to me were worried about me being in the big city "all by myself," but I have learned since being here that it isn't very scary at all. It was intimidating at first for sure but not scary. All the people and the towering buildings were a lot to take in at first, but after the initial shock it became much more normal and relaxing.
Yes there is violence in the streets and it's probably not the safest to be out late at night by yourself, but isn't that true of any place? I think so. I can be in the middle of Richmond, Virginia late at night and hear a gunshot. Violence is everywhere; it's not a good thing, but it's true.
The streets of New York are the most unique I've ever seen. They overflow with thousands of people, all with different personalities and faces. I can be in one part of the city that reminds me of another place I've been, and then I can go across to a different avenue and it reminds me of something completely different. The city is so diverse, people and places, and that is one of the factors I love most about it.
I have met so many different people while being here so far, whether when I have free time or through theses masses of street interviews we are conducting. That has been one of my favorite parts of this course as I have had the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and meet so many people I would never have met before and hear their stories. My experiences here so far have also diminished the myth that says the city is full of rude people that don't talk to others on the streets.
It is different than being in a small town but that partly has to do with the increased amount of people there are in the city. In a small town people do wave more often when passing, but they also aren't in the midst of thousands of people. Through the different interviews I have had on the streets there have been some to just keep walking or not be interested, but there have also been so many genuinely nice people.
I remember Thursday night Rebecca and I went walking to try and find the old Sinatra bar Gay Talese referenced in his article "Frank Sinatra Has A Cold." We walked around the city for two and a half hours trying to find this place and ended up all the way on 58th street. Along the way we came in contact with some really nice people. This one particular couple was walking by and stopped by to ask if we would take a picture for them. We took the picture and talked to them and they continued to thank us for our help.
One of our assignments the next day was to find someone on the streets of Manhattan that seemed to have hope and ask them why. When we received the assignment I was immediately brought back to the couple we had met the previous night. They seemed to have hope in them and it shined bright in the midst of the dark night when they stood posing for their picture.
Tonight Rebecca, Tim and I went to the roof of a nearby hotel where the sight of the Empire State Building was immaculate. We enjoyed some time taking photographs, video and enjoying the scenic view. As we stood their chatting, Tim brought up a really great point that the sight set before our eyes was beautiful and some would say that the city isn't a pretty sight to see.
I would have to admit I'm probably considered a country girl considering this is the first time I have been to a city. Since being here I have caught myself numerous times looking up at the buildings and being amazed at how beautiful they are. Even tonight when we went to the top of the roof of a 25-story hotel, we saw the most beautiful sunset with a mix of pink and purple streaks.
The mountains and skies full of stars is a beautiful sight to see, but the city lights can be just as amazing. The "big city" isn't really as bad as some people may think it is. The myths aren't 100 percent accurate and sometimes it just takes a trip to the city to find out.
When talking about the city, there can be many negative attitudes and thoughts that are brought up. The city being dangerous and violent is one of them. Some close to me were worried about me being in the big city "all by myself," but I have learned since being here that it isn't very scary at all. It was intimidating at first for sure but not scary. All the people and the towering buildings were a lot to take in at first, but after the initial shock it became much more normal and relaxing.
Yes there is violence in the streets and it's probably not the safest to be out late at night by yourself, but isn't that true of any place? I think so. I can be in the middle of Richmond, Virginia late at night and hear a gunshot. Violence is everywhere; it's not a good thing, but it's true.
The streets of New York are the most unique I've ever seen. They overflow with thousands of people, all with different personalities and faces. I can be in one part of the city that reminds me of another place I've been, and then I can go across to a different avenue and it reminds me of something completely different. The city is so diverse, people and places, and that is one of the factors I love most about it.
I have met so many different people while being here so far, whether when I have free time or through theses masses of street interviews we are conducting. That has been one of my favorite parts of this course as I have had the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and meet so many people I would never have met before and hear their stories. My experiences here so far have also diminished the myth that says the city is full of rude people that don't talk to others on the streets.
It is different than being in a small town but that partly has to do with the increased amount of people there are in the city. In a small town people do wave more often when passing, but they also aren't in the midst of thousands of people. Through the different interviews I have had on the streets there have been some to just keep walking or not be interested, but there have also been so many genuinely nice people.
I remember Thursday night Rebecca and I went walking to try and find the old Sinatra bar Gay Talese referenced in his article "Frank Sinatra Has A Cold." We walked around the city for two and a half hours trying to find this place and ended up all the way on 58th street. Along the way we came in contact with some really nice people. This one particular couple was walking by and stopped by to ask if we would take a picture for them. We took the picture and talked to them and they continued to thank us for our help.
One of our assignments the next day was to find someone on the streets of Manhattan that seemed to have hope and ask them why. When we received the assignment I was immediately brought back to the couple we had met the previous night. They seemed to have hope in them and it shined bright in the midst of the dark night when they stood posing for their picture.
Tonight Rebecca, Tim and I went to the roof of a nearby hotel where the sight of the Empire State Building was immaculate. We enjoyed some time taking photographs, video and enjoying the scenic view. As we stood their chatting, Tim brought up a really great point that the sight set before our eyes was beautiful and some would say that the city isn't a pretty sight to see.
I would have to admit I'm probably considered a country girl considering this is the first time I have been to a city. Since being here I have caught myself numerous times looking up at the buildings and being amazed at how beautiful they are. Even tonight when we went to the top of the roof of a 25-story hotel, we saw the most beautiful sunset with a mix of pink and purple streaks.
The mountains and skies full of stars is a beautiful sight to see, but the city lights can be just as amazing. The "big city" isn't really as bad as some people may think it is. The myths aren't 100 percent accurate and sometimes it just takes a trip to the city to find out.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Going to the Optometrist: A Make Out Session?
Manhattan, N.Y., May 16, 2009- He sat in the cushioned chair in the office while the woman slid closer to him. As she leaned in, he jumped in his chair thinking, “You can’t make out with me; I’m married for crying out loud!”
Kate Kiliganan had driven her husband, Scott, to their optometrist, Iris Optometrist, in Montreal two weeks ago to get his eyes checked after having reoccurring headaches. He didn’t have glasses, so Kate wanted to check if that was the problem. When they arrived Scott disappeared into the room with the woman doctor.
He never experienced an eye exam, so he wasn’t sure what to expect. As the woman grabbed her scope, she rolled her chair closer to peer into his eyes, and he threw himself back in his seat.
At this moment he thought the doctor was going to lean in for a smooch session, but then realized she was just doing her job and needed to move in closer. Scott tried to pretend he had simply had a back spasm. The very second the doctor completed the tests he bolted out of the door, grabbed Kate’s hand and headed straight toward the car.
After rushing to the parking lot in complete silence as his wife dragged behind him, they sped away. Kate, with a concerned look, stared at her husband’s red face and panicked expression.
“What the hell happened? Why are you acting so weird?” asked Kate.
Scott told his wife the story and how embarrassed he was that he actually thought this doctor was going to try and make out with him. Kate began to laugh hysterically at her husband’s ridiculous first experience at the eye doctor.
Kate Kiliganan had driven her husband, Scott, to their optometrist, Iris Optometrist, in Montreal two weeks ago to get his eyes checked after having reoccurring headaches. He didn’t have glasses, so Kate wanted to check if that was the problem. When they arrived Scott disappeared into the room with the woman doctor.
He never experienced an eye exam, so he wasn’t sure what to expect. As the woman grabbed her scope, she rolled her chair closer to peer into his eyes, and he threw himself back in his seat.
At this moment he thought the doctor was going to lean in for a smooch session, but then realized she was just doing her job and needed to move in closer. Scott tried to pretend he had simply had a back spasm. The very second the doctor completed the tests he bolted out of the door, grabbed Kate’s hand and headed straight toward the car.
After rushing to the parking lot in complete silence as his wife dragged behind him, they sped away. Kate, with a concerned look, stared at her husband’s red face and panicked expression.
“What the hell happened? Why are you acting so weird?” asked Kate.
Scott told his wife the story and how embarrassed he was that he actually thought this doctor was going to try and make out with him. Kate began to laugh hysterically at her husband’s ridiculous first experience at the eye doctor.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Interesting People on the Streets
Manhattan, N.Y., May 15, 2009- The action pack interviews and street assignments began today. After Lynn Vincent came to speak one evening I was even more excited about crafting stories together and continuing to soak in all the knowledge set before our very eyes.
I was a little nervous about going onto the street to get a narrative from someone and crafting it into a feature piece because I've never done this before. It was a mix of complete excitement and fear that I would fail miserably. As I ventured out onto the street I knew the character I wanted to seek out: the owner of a hot dog stand. I went to the first one and the language barrier played a major factor, as the man couldn't speak a lick of English. I moved onto 37th Street to find my subject.
This man from Egypt was so kind and willing to talk to me and tell me his interesting story about how he came to New York City. This experience really helped me a lot because there was still some language barrier. He only spoke broken English, but managed to get it out well enough for me to form his words together. As I finished up and was ready to head back he handed me a cold soda to thank me for talking to him. He was a very interesting character and I definitely plan on stopping by his hot dog stand for dinner one night.
Our next street assignment was a group convergence assignment. We were sent to different areas around the city to collect interviews and observations on businesses and families and how the economic state of our country has affected them. Jeffery, Andrew and I were sent to Harlem to get our stories. It was my first time experiencing that part of New York and the Subway. I was really excited but a little nervous at the same time to attempt to get interviews. I didn't think anyone would talk to me, but to my surprise the afternoon turned out quite well and very productive.
One interview that I particularly enjoyed was with a man named Tom at his store, LAZARUS, on 125th street.
I was referred to him in this manner: "Well the person you want to talk to is Tom and he's out there smoking a cigarette. I don't know if I'd go talk to him, he doesn't normally let anyone interrupt his smoke breaks..."
I decided to give it a shot despite what the woman said and ended up getting a great interview from him to send back to the writers. It was exciting to run around this one street talking with one person to the next and soaking in all the diverse personalities. I felt like I got to experience what journalism was really like. Everyone has a story and it's the journalist's job to get it.
I was a little nervous about going onto the street to get a narrative from someone and crafting it into a feature piece because I've never done this before. It was a mix of complete excitement and fear that I would fail miserably. As I ventured out onto the street I knew the character I wanted to seek out: the owner of a hot dog stand. I went to the first one and the language barrier played a major factor, as the man couldn't speak a lick of English. I moved onto 37th Street to find my subject.
This man from Egypt was so kind and willing to talk to me and tell me his interesting story about how he came to New York City. This experience really helped me a lot because there was still some language barrier. He only spoke broken English, but managed to get it out well enough for me to form his words together. As I finished up and was ready to head back he handed me a cold soda to thank me for talking to him. He was a very interesting character and I definitely plan on stopping by his hot dog stand for dinner one night.
Our next street assignment was a group convergence assignment. We were sent to different areas around the city to collect interviews and observations on businesses and families and how the economic state of our country has affected them. Jeffery, Andrew and I were sent to Harlem to get our stories. It was my first time experiencing that part of New York and the Subway. I was really excited but a little nervous at the same time to attempt to get interviews. I didn't think anyone would talk to me, but to my surprise the afternoon turned out quite well and very productive.
One interview that I particularly enjoyed was with a man named Tom at his store, LAZARUS, on 125th street.
I was referred to him in this manner: "Well the person you want to talk to is Tom and he's out there smoking a cigarette. I don't know if I'd go talk to him, he doesn't normally let anyone interrupt his smoke breaks..."
I decided to give it a shot despite what the woman said and ended up getting a great interview from him to send back to the writers. It was exciting to run around this one street talking with one person to the next and soaking in all the diverse personalities. I felt like I got to experience what journalism was really like. Everyone has a story and it's the journalist's job to get it.
A New Experience
Manhattan, N.Y., May 12, 2009-I have only been pursuing journalism since I started college two years ago. Having only taken about three journalism courses and working for my school paper two semesters, I was eager to further my experience through the convergence course in World Journalism Institute.
When I first got here, I was really nervous and felt extremely out of my element. Being the youngest made feel a little anxious about being in the midst of these amazing professional writers and other journalists, but I was extremely ready to start learning and growing in my own writing. Each morning I wake up early to spend some time alone to have some prayer. Beginning the day by completely surrendering it to God was something I knew I needed to do right from the start because I knew I couldn't do any of this on my own.
The first few days were a great experience learning more about worldview and how to apply that to my future career in the newsroom and in the stories I am currently writing. It got me out of my comfort zone in a sense to give my opinions and thoughts about what we were talking about. I'm not usually one to speak up in class, so having the opportunity and speaking up at times helped me grow in that.
Our class critique for the press release assignment was one of the best experiences for me within the first few days. I learned a lot through my own critique and was also able to take in a lot from other people's articles. Learning from other established writers and talking about them together really helps in the learning process, even if it's a bit nerve-wracking at first.
When I first got here, I was really nervous and felt extremely out of my element. Being the youngest made feel a little anxious about being in the midst of these amazing professional writers and other journalists, but I was extremely ready to start learning and growing in my own writing. Each morning I wake up early to spend some time alone to have some prayer. Beginning the day by completely surrendering it to God was something I knew I needed to do right from the start because I knew I couldn't do any of this on my own.
The first few days were a great experience learning more about worldview and how to apply that to my future career in the newsroom and in the stories I am currently writing. It got me out of my comfort zone in a sense to give my opinions and thoughts about what we were talking about. I'm not usually one to speak up in class, so having the opportunity and speaking up at times helped me grow in that.
Our class critique for the press release assignment was one of the best experiences for me within the first few days. I learned a lot through my own critique and was also able to take in a lot from other people's articles. Learning from other established writers and talking about them together really helps in the learning process, even if it's a bit nerve-wracking at first.
Harlem: The Original or New?
Harlem, N.Y., May 15, 2009- Many people sat trying to find a slight bit of shade to hide from the scorching sun beaming down on their faces. Many businesses have been affected by the economic downslide of the United States.
Businesses are plummeting and families are struggling to find the finances they need to support their children and spouses. Those who used to live in the middle of Harlem have recently been forced out by the rising prices over the past few years. Ownership of the apartment complexes have been changing frequently from one face of an owner to a new face no one has seen before. Residents say that they miss the "old days" when they knew people's faces and could live their lives.
What once was a predominantly black area has begun to change over the course of the past 3 years. Rosa Long sat with her face buried in her hands on the edge of the gate. She inhaled deeply and then let out a large sigh.
"Harlem is not like it used to be, it has gotten much worse. Many new faces and hands have come, but not many black ones, many whites," Long said.
This community has now gone from being predominantly black to a mix of whites, Koreans and blacks. The black community is still dominant, but it is not as it used to be. There has been a mass of gentrification in the last three years that has left the general public of Harlem with ill feelings.
A rich history lies in the sidewalks of Harlem's streets that many residents, especially those who have been their all their lives, want to remain with minimal interruptions to what it stands for.
"Harlem is the nucleus of the black community," Long said.
When people were asked about their feelings toward the economy and providing for their children, there were very minimal positive reactions. One woman explained how her son, who is now 24, was able to send him to college at New York Technical College. He graduated with a degree in architecture and is currently looking for a job, with minimal luck in today's economy. With her next child in the ninth grade, she fears that her daughter won't be able to get to college without financial aid; this is assuming she gets financial aid.
Businesses have had downfalls and rises in the midst of these current national struggles. A children's clothing store on 125th Street, LAZARUS, has been one that has been affected both negatively and positively. When the economic downfall began, they had a big hit on their store with many less purchases being made. Business declined almost 50 percent during the holiday seasons, which left employees with cut hours and managers with frustrations.
Tom Zarobinski, store manager, expressed how the business was difficult during the times of minimal business. However, recently the business has picked back up as of the second week in April. People have moved toward having to manage their money more. Now some people have chosen to shop at less expensive stores than paying the higher prices as popular designer stores.
"Our business has picked up because people always have to buy for their children; it's like food, people always have to buy it," Zarobinski said. "Our store is cheaper so why would people go to Macy's and spend $40 when they can get it here for $20?"
With the new presidential election, there is hope floating through the streets of Harlem that President Obama will continue with his plans and work to fix this economical problem. People are recognizing that issues this big can't be fixed in a day, but they are hoping for resolution to come through this new administration.
Businesses are plummeting and families are struggling to find the finances they need to support their children and spouses. Those who used to live in the middle of Harlem have recently been forced out by the rising prices over the past few years. Ownership of the apartment complexes have been changing frequently from one face of an owner to a new face no one has seen before. Residents say that they miss the "old days" when they knew people's faces and could live their lives.
What once was a predominantly black area has begun to change over the course of the past 3 years. Rosa Long sat with her face buried in her hands on the edge of the gate. She inhaled deeply and then let out a large sigh.
"Harlem is not like it used to be, it has gotten much worse. Many new faces and hands have come, but not many black ones, many whites," Long said.
This community has now gone from being predominantly black to a mix of whites, Koreans and blacks. The black community is still dominant, but it is not as it used to be. There has been a mass of gentrification in the last three years that has left the general public of Harlem with ill feelings.
A rich history lies in the sidewalks of Harlem's streets that many residents, especially those who have been their all their lives, want to remain with minimal interruptions to what it stands for.
"Harlem is the nucleus of the black community," Long said.
When people were asked about their feelings toward the economy and providing for their children, there were very minimal positive reactions. One woman explained how her son, who is now 24, was able to send him to college at New York Technical College. He graduated with a degree in architecture and is currently looking for a job, with minimal luck in today's economy. With her next child in the ninth grade, she fears that her daughter won't be able to get to college without financial aid; this is assuming she gets financial aid.
Businesses have had downfalls and rises in the midst of these current national struggles. A children's clothing store on 125th Street, LAZARUS, has been one that has been affected both negatively and positively. When the economic downfall began, they had a big hit on their store with many less purchases being made. Business declined almost 50 percent during the holiday seasons, which left employees with cut hours and managers with frustrations.
Tom Zarobinski, store manager, expressed how the business was difficult during the times of minimal business. However, recently the business has picked back up as of the second week in April. People have moved toward having to manage their money more. Now some people have chosen to shop at less expensive stores than paying the higher prices as popular designer stores.
"Our business has picked up because people always have to buy for their children; it's like food, people always have to buy it," Zarobinski said. "Our store is cheaper so why would people go to Macy's and spend $40 when they can get it here for $20?"
With the new presidential election, there is hope floating through the streets of Harlem that President Obama will continue with his plans and work to fix this economical problem. People are recognizing that issues this big can't be fixed in a day, but they are hoping for resolution to come through this new administration.
Hope in the Streets
Sitting in the crowded, popular coffee shop in the Empire State Building, Ashley Stewart, 23, waited for her new friend to complete the applications swarming the table. Stewart, a 5-foot 6-inches tall woman dressed in jeans and a green top, was spending the night with her new friend.
After moving to Manhattan two months ago from Sacramento, Calif., she is happy to be spending a Friday night with a companion, instead of alone. Stewart grew up loving the city and knowing that she wanted to move to New York at some point in her life.
With no immediate plans after returning from the Peace Corp, she decides it is the prime time to follow her desire to experience the big city. So she packs all of her things and begins her first step to the next adventure awaiting her on the other side of the country.
Stewart didn’t know anyone really well when she got here; there were a few acquaintances but nothing solid. Once she got here she was determined to not only make due, but to succeed. After only two short months, Stewart gains success by getting a job as an Administrative Assistant at Firm 74 Marketing.
“I don’t have any specific ultimate job goals yet; I’m still figuring that out,” Steward said. “Direction for my life goes in many different ways and I love not having to navigate it myself but still knowing it will work out.”
She misses her family even though she still stays in touch through phone calls and correspondence. Not being there to interact with them and see them face-to-face is what she misses more than anything. Since she doesn’t have her family from California here with her, she is very eager to craft a new one.
“I am so eager to have a local family again. My family is what I miss the most, but I’m glad to be here on my own at the same time,” Steward said. “I’m excited to create a family here of my own; friends here in the city that go beyond friendship and lead to a local family.”
After moving to Manhattan two months ago from Sacramento, Calif., she is happy to be spending a Friday night with a companion, instead of alone. Stewart grew up loving the city and knowing that she wanted to move to New York at some point in her life.
With no immediate plans after returning from the Peace Corp, she decides it is the prime time to follow her desire to experience the big city. So she packs all of her things and begins her first step to the next adventure awaiting her on the other side of the country.
Stewart didn’t know anyone really well when she got here; there were a few acquaintances but nothing solid. Once she got here she was determined to not only make due, but to succeed. After only two short months, Stewart gains success by getting a job as an Administrative Assistant at Firm 74 Marketing.
“I don’t have any specific ultimate job goals yet; I’m still figuring that out,” Steward said. “Direction for my life goes in many different ways and I love not having to navigate it myself but still knowing it will work out.”
She misses her family even though she still stays in touch through phone calls and correspondence. Not being there to interact with them and see them face-to-face is what she misses more than anything. Since she doesn’t have her family from California here with her, she is very eager to craft a new one.
“I am so eager to have a local family again. My family is what I miss the most, but I’m glad to be here on my own at the same time,” Steward said. “I’m excited to create a family here of my own; friends here in the city that go beyond friendship and lead to a local family.”
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Randy Forbes: Family Man and Successful Political Figure
Richmond, V.A., May 8, 2009—Randy Forbes currently serves as Congressman representing the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia after fiercely taking the vote in the 2001 special election. He is serving his fourth term in the House of Representatives working to fulfill his goals including: issues with immigration, balancing the federal budget and improving health care. Forbes wrote the Alien Gang Removal Act to help protect Americans from harmful immigration problems. This act demands the immediate deportation of aliens found to be members of criminal gangs.
He served as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Forbes was a key component in Virginia legislation that passed over the last ten years, including state funding for school constructions and the abolition of parole.
The U.S. Military receives great support from Congressman Forbes as he works to maintain a strong and efficient military. Through the House Armed Services Committee Forbes stands to ensure solutions to challenges of energy, healthcare and intelligence-related actions of the Department of Defense.
Some of Forbes’ accomplishments include the founding of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, co-chair of the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus, and the Congressional China Caucus. He also formed the Congressional Prayer Caucus which purpose is to understand the crucial role that prayer has plays in Congress and in America, prayers by all individuals of all faiths.
Forbes was born on February 17, 1952 in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he has resided his entire life. He attended Great Bridge High School graduating in 1970 and proceeding to earn his BA in Political Science from Randolph-Macon College in 1974, as valedictorian. Later he graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1977.
Forbes was the second born in his family where his father was a service member and mother a homemaker. Forbes married his wife, Shirley in 1978 and they have four children: Neil, Jamie, Jordan and Justin. This 57-year-old family man is one that holds a strong faith and consistently attends his home church, Great Bridge Baptist, where he is an active member of the congregation; Forbes has dedicated 20 years to teaching the adult Sunday school class. His morals and faith guide his steps in continuing strong holding to his values. He is a strong supporter of education as his high school principal, Harry Blevins, was the first to encourage a career of service in the US Congress.
His career began as an attorney and working in the private practice of law. He later became a part of the Virginia General Assembly in 1989 before quickly climbing to the position of Floor Leader in the House of Delegates from 1994-1997. Forbes also served as a Senator for the Virginia Senate from 1996-2001 and as a chair of the Republican party of Virginia from 1996 to the present.
“One of my most important priorities in Congress is seeing that the federal government is working for the people of the Fourth District, whether that is ensuring we build a safe and secure America through my position on the House Armed Services Committee…or cutting through the red tape of the federal government to help individuals attain passports or veterans benefits,” Forbes said.
He served as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Forbes was a key component in Virginia legislation that passed over the last ten years, including state funding for school constructions and the abolition of parole.
The U.S. Military receives great support from Congressman Forbes as he works to maintain a strong and efficient military. Through the House Armed Services Committee Forbes stands to ensure solutions to challenges of energy, healthcare and intelligence-related actions of the Department of Defense.
Some of Forbes’ accomplishments include the founding of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, co-chair of the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus, and the Congressional China Caucus. He also formed the Congressional Prayer Caucus which purpose is to understand the crucial role that prayer has plays in Congress and in America, prayers by all individuals of all faiths.
Forbes was born on February 17, 1952 in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he has resided his entire life. He attended Great Bridge High School graduating in 1970 and proceeding to earn his BA in Political Science from Randolph-Macon College in 1974, as valedictorian. Later he graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1977.
Forbes was the second born in his family where his father was a service member and mother a homemaker. Forbes married his wife, Shirley in 1978 and they have four children: Neil, Jamie, Jordan and Justin. This 57-year-old family man is one that holds a strong faith and consistently attends his home church, Great Bridge Baptist, where he is an active member of the congregation; Forbes has dedicated 20 years to teaching the adult Sunday school class. His morals and faith guide his steps in continuing strong holding to his values. He is a strong supporter of education as his high school principal, Harry Blevins, was the first to encourage a career of service in the US Congress.
His career began as an attorney and working in the private practice of law. He later became a part of the Virginia General Assembly in 1989 before quickly climbing to the position of Floor Leader in the House of Delegates from 1994-1997. Forbes also served as a Senator for the Virginia Senate from 1996-2001 and as a chair of the Republican party of Virginia from 1996 to the present.
“One of my most important priorities in Congress is seeing that the federal government is working for the people of the Fourth District, whether that is ensuring we build a safe and secure America through my position on the House Armed Services Committee…or cutting through the red tape of the federal government to help individuals attain passports or veterans benefits,” Forbes said.
A Woman of Supreme Passion, Sister and Mother: Elise Deal
Richmond, V.A., May 6, 2009—She is the human inspiration to a dead vision, the encouragement through difficult circumstances and the silent supporter, through her actions and prayers.
Elise Deal, wife of Brett Deal and mother of 10-month old Daphne, has been a constant encourager to many throughout her life. Her devotion to Jesus Christ has led her to various areas of service in her local community, Richmond, VA and around the world.
She has gone from Los Angeles to India sharing the hope within her. Her most memorable experience was the opportunity to bring food to a homeless woman residing in her wheelchair. Elise spoke with her and listened to her story while providing food. The woman was astonished at Elise’s willingness and passion for Christ. With tears rolling down her frail face she told Elise that, “she was the image of Jesus with skin to her.”
Elise gave her life to the Lord in 1989 at 5 years of age at her home church, Cornerstone Assembly of God. Her commitment and passion led into her lifetime decision to surrender her personal comforts to reach unsaved people around the world with the hope found in Christ. With complete abandonment to the Lord’s will she is preparing to step out onto the tightrope of God’s will and put her complete trust in him as she takes each significant step.
“I’ve always seen Elise to be like Anna in Luke 2 because Anna was always in the temple,” Brett said. “Anna’s divine devotion led her exactly where God wanted her to be and that typifies Elise for me; always wherever God wants her to be.”
Without letting anything delay her from the Lord’s prominent vision for her life, Elise sets a fierce example of denying oneself, picking up her cross and following Him.
Elise Deal, wife of Brett Deal and mother of 10-month old Daphne, has been a constant encourager to many throughout her life. Her devotion to Jesus Christ has led her to various areas of service in her local community, Richmond, VA and around the world.
She has gone from Los Angeles to India sharing the hope within her. Her most memorable experience was the opportunity to bring food to a homeless woman residing in her wheelchair. Elise spoke with her and listened to her story while providing food. The woman was astonished at Elise’s willingness and passion for Christ. With tears rolling down her frail face she told Elise that, “she was the image of Jesus with skin to her.”
Elise gave her life to the Lord in 1989 at 5 years of age at her home church, Cornerstone Assembly of God. Her commitment and passion led into her lifetime decision to surrender her personal comforts to reach unsaved people around the world with the hope found in Christ. With complete abandonment to the Lord’s will she is preparing to step out onto the tightrope of God’s will and put her complete trust in him as she takes each significant step.
“I’ve always seen Elise to be like Anna in Luke 2 because Anna was always in the temple,” Brett said. “Anna’s divine devotion led her exactly where God wanted her to be and that typifies Elise for me; always wherever God wants her to be.”
Without letting anything delay her from the Lord’s prominent vision for her life, Elise sets a fierce example of denying oneself, picking up her cross and following Him.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Broken
On my knees in my secret placeI call out to you, longing to feel your presence. You’re what my heart desires, yet you seem so far away.
My heart is shattered and exposed
I’m crying out to you to hear my voice and my pleas.
I’m broken LORD, fallen on my face.
I have nothing left in me but my fears and my doubts.
LORD show me your ways, let me know you’re here
Call out my name and lead me back to be with you.
I want to let go of it all and be near to you
Help me to see past the trials in front of me.
Bring me back to you LORD
so that I canWalk through my struggles with you next to me.
I’m broken LORD, but still I come before you with my heart’s cry
I bring my shame and heavy load to the cross.
I lay it all down and put it at your feet
I call upon your precious name
Thanking you for suffering for me
I want to be in your holy presence
I’m crying out to you…hear my voice, hear my plea.
I’m broken LORD, fallen on my face.
I have nothing left in me but my fears and doubts.
LORD show me your ways, let me know you’re here
Call out my name and lead me back to be with you.
I want to let go of it all and be near to you
Help me to see past the trials in front of me.
Bring me back to you LORD so that I can
Walk through my struggles with you next to me.
I can hear your voice calling out to me.
You’re here with me, willing to meet me where I’m at.
You never ask me to come perfectly clean, but you take me as I am.
You pick me up and hold me close to your heart.
I can hear you whisper “I am here now,I will remain with you and help carry your load.”
I am sweetly broken LORD, fallen on my face.
You have taken all of my fear and doubts
And I know you’re here showing me your ways.
You have called me by name and led me back to you
I will now let go so that I can be with you
You’ve given me hope to see past the trials in front of me.
You have brought me back to you LORD.
I will no longer be alone through my trials
For I will be walking with you, my beautiful LORD.
My heart is shattered and exposed
I’m crying out to you to hear my voice and my pleas.
I’m broken LORD, fallen on my face.
I have nothing left in me but my fears and my doubts.
LORD show me your ways, let me know you’re here
Call out my name and lead me back to be with you.
I want to let go of it all and be near to you
Help me to see past the trials in front of me.
Bring me back to you LORD
so that I canWalk through my struggles with you next to me.
I’m broken LORD, but still I come before you with my heart’s cry
I bring my shame and heavy load to the cross.
I lay it all down and put it at your feet
I call upon your precious name
Thanking you for suffering for me
I want to be in your holy presence
I’m crying out to you…hear my voice, hear my plea.
I’m broken LORD, fallen on my face.
I have nothing left in me but my fears and doubts.
LORD show me your ways, let me know you’re here
Call out my name and lead me back to be with you.
I want to let go of it all and be near to you
Help me to see past the trials in front of me.
Bring me back to you LORD so that I can
Walk through my struggles with you next to me.
I can hear your voice calling out to me.
You’re here with me, willing to meet me where I’m at.
You never ask me to come perfectly clean, but you take me as I am.
You pick me up and hold me close to your heart.
I can hear you whisper “I am here now,I will remain with you and help carry your load.”
I am sweetly broken LORD, fallen on my face.
You have taken all of my fear and doubts
And I know you’re here showing me your ways.
You have called me by name and led me back to you
I will now let go so that I can be with you
You’ve given me hope to see past the trials in front of me.
You have brought me back to you LORD.
I will no longer be alone through my trials
For I will be walking with you, my beautiful LORD.
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